California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter is under heavy scrutiny after footage emerged of her threatening to end an interview with CBS News California Investigates. The Democrat, known for her combative style in Congress, appeared visibly frustrated when pressed by reporter Julie Watts about how she plans to win over Donald Trump voters in a state where nearly 40 percent supported the former president.

The exchange, which quickly went viral online, has ignited debates over Porter’s temperament, media strategy, and her ability to broaden her appeal ahead of California’s 2026 gubernatorial primary.

Who is Katie Porter?

Katie Porter, 51, is a former U.S. congresswoman from Orange County who gained national recognition for her tough questioning of corporate executives during House hearings. A progressive Democrat and single mother of three, Porter ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Senate in 2024, losing to Adam Schiff, before announcing her candidacy for governor of California.

Her campaign has been backed by EMILY’s List, a powerful Democratic organization that supports pro-choice women in politics. If elected, Porter would be the first woman to serve as California’s governor.

Since this 3min excerpt of 30min segment went viral, we decided to post it ourselves. But I’d encourage you to watch the full segment. https://t.co/wHQcHbybqF @CBSNews @kcalnews @CBSSacramento @KPIXtv pic.twitter.com/A80fBGiFxE

— Julie Watts (@juliewattsTV) October 8, 2025

What Happened in the CBS Interview?

The interview, filmed last month but released in early October, was conducted as part of CBS News California Investigates’ coverage of the 2025 gubernatorial race. Journalist Julie Watts asked Porter:

“What do you say to the 40 percent of California voters, who you’ll need in order to win, who voted for President Donald Trump?”

Porter laughed before responding:

“How would I need them in order to win, ma’am? I’ll get all the non-Trump votes. I’ve stood on my own two feet and won Republican votes before.”

Watts pressed back, noting that Porter had just dismissed nearly half the state’s electorate. Porter then accused the reporter of being “unnecessarily argumentative,” raised her hands in frustration, and threatened to call off the interview. She was seen reaching for her lapel microphone, saying she did not want “seven follow-ups to every single question.”

Watts clarified she had asked the same line of questioning to every candidate. Still, Porter attempted to end the segment, stating, “I don’t want to keep doing this. I’m going to call it.”

Why Did Katie Porter Threaten to Walk Out?

Porter appeared to lose patience with repeated follow-ups about her path to victory without appealing to Trump voters. Her reaction suggested irritation with what she perceived as confrontational journalism.

Critics argued her response reflected an unwillingness to engage with challenging questions, while supporters defended her against what they called “bad faith” media tactics.

Reaction and Backlash

The viral clip drew sharp responses across the political spectrum.

• Megyn Kelly mocked the moment as “the most entertaining thing since Tiger King.”
• Rep. Ken Calvert (R-CA) accused Porter of exposing the “mentality of radical Democrats.”
• Journalist Mehdi Hasan countered that the moment highlighted a bigger issue: politicians expecting interviews to be “pleasant positive conversations” rather than tough questioning.
• Democratic strategist Marisol Samayoa said Porter’s exchange was “a case study in what not to do in a press interview.”

The backlash comes as Porter leads early Democratic polls but faces strong competition from former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, former HHS secretary Xavier Becerra, and potentially Senator Alex Padilla, who has not ruled out entering the race.

What’s Next for Her Campaign?

Porter’s ability to manage public perception will be critical as California’s 2026 gubernatorial primary approaches. Despite the controversy, she has secured a significant boost after Vice President Kamala Harris opted not to run, transferring much of her voter base to Porter.

The episode underscores the challenges candidates face balancing authenticity with discipline in high-pressure interviews. Whether Porter’s viral clash damages or energizes her campaign remains to be seen.

FAQ

Who is Katie Porter?

Katie Porter is a former U.S. congresswoman from California and a progressive Democrat running for governor in 2026. She is known for her tough questioning in congressional hearings and advocacy for consumer protection and corporate accountability.

What happened in Katie Porter’s CBS interview?

Porter grew frustrated when CBS reporter Julie Watts asked how she planned to win over Trump voters. After several follow-ups, Porter threatened to end the interview and was seen reaching for her microphone.

Why did Katie Porter threaten to walk out?

She felt the questioning was “unnecessarily argumentative” and claimed she was being asked too many follow-ups on the same issue. Critics say she was dodging a tough question about appealing to Republicans.

What question made Katie Porter upset?

Julie Watts asked: “What do you say to the 40 percent of California voters, who you’ll need in order to win, who voted for Donald Trump?”

What was Katie Porter’s response to Trump voters?

Porter said she would win by uniting non-Trump voters and pointed to her history of winning Republican votes in Orange County, but dismissed the idea that she needed direct support from Trump loyalists.

Has Katie Porter faced backlash?

Yes. Pundits, Republicans, and journalists criticized her response as dismissive and unprepared. Some supporters argued the reporter’s style was overly confrontational.

What did Megyn Kelly say about Katie Porter?

Megyn Kelly mocked the moment on X, calling it the most entertaining political clip since Tiger King.

What did Mehdi Hasan say about Katie Porter?

Journalist Mehdi Hasan said the incident was a reminder that media interviews should be challenging, not “pleasant positive conversations” as some politicians expect.

What position is Katie Porter running for?

Katie Porter is running to become governor of California in 2026, succeeding Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited.

Who is supporting Katie Porter?

She has received backing from EMILY’s List and support from a large number of Kamala Harris voters after Harris announced she would not run for governor.

Who are Katie Porter’s main opponents?

Her Democratic rivals include Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra, with Sen. Alex Padilla possibly entering the race. On the Republican side, candidates include Sheriff Chad Bianco and ex-Fox News host Steve Hilton.

Did Katie Porter win the Senate race?

No. Porter lost her 2024 Senate bid to fellow Democrat Adam Schiff.

What does this controversy mean for Katie Porter’s campaign?

The viral interview could affect voter perception, raising questions about her ability to handle tough media scrutiny during the high-profile governor’s race.